Venture Easky 15 Kayak

R.R.S.P. Rating:

Value: 4 / 5

Ease of Use: 5 / 5

Reliability: 4 / 5

Comfort: 5 / 5

We were kayaking up a long mountain lake late one afternoon when the wind suddenly began gusting down the valley. As the waves became higher and higher, we appreciated the mix of stability and speed the Venture Easky kayaks possessed.

We tightened our spray skirts around our waists and paddled steadily into the waves, getting into a steady rhythm that would bring us back to our put-in point, five kilometres away. With rudders down, we were able to keep the kayaks pointed into the wind and waves. By the time we reached our put-in, the waves had built to almost one-metre high. Even then, we felt safe and dry in these kayaks.

On calmer days, paddling the Venture Easky kayaks becomes an almost Zen-like experience. It is a boat that is stable enough for novice paddlers, yet fast enough to please the more experienced kayaker. The fifteen-foot kayak is about the right length for a mix of lakes, some open water, and rivers. This kayak has a front and rear sealed hatch, with enough storage volume for overnight trips. Venture also makes a longer seventeen foot model if you intend to do most of your paddling on open ocean waters.

Getting in and out of this kayak is much easier than the small cockpit found on many boats. The seat is very comfortable, and the backrest can be high or low, depending on the kind of paddling you are doing that day. I would recommend getting the boat with a drop-down rudder. It keeps the boat tracking well, and is a must when the waves come up.

Roto-molded plastic keeps the price quite reasonable, especially when compared to fibreglass kayaks that cost almost double. The plastic hull is strong, slides through the water easily, and is low-maintenance. My only beef with this boat is it cannot be left in the sun as the hull becomes soft with heat. It is a must to store any plastic boat in the shade.

After researching many kayaks, we found the Easky 15 to be the best value, and a comfortable, stable, and reasonably fast boat. It is a great choice for a first kayak, and should bring many seasons of pleasure before you outgrow this boat. All-in-all, we give this kayak a strong 4 out of 5.

Tips:

Don’t forget to wear a life jacket, and bring safety gear.

Consider getting a spray skirt to keep you dry in bigger waves.

Practice getting in and out of your kayak before heading out.

A rudder is an essential part of a kayak, especially on the days you encounter waves.